Aug 73 min read

The Value of Online Communities

I am a people person (most times) and I’ve found that in general people genuinely want to connect with other people. As long as they FEEL like they are their kind of people. As a content strategist, I am most interested in how you use pictures, videos, words, and sounds to connect with people and create and inspire community. So today let’s dive into online communities, the value of these digital spaces and why you as a business, nonprofit, or an entrepreneur should be growing an online community of your own.

The Magic of Online Communities

Think of online communities like coffee shops. It’s a place you enjoy being at- perhaps just for the ambiance or you really do like the drinks. Either way, over time you can grow to have a connection to the space, one that keeps you coming back. You feel a sense of belonging and connection there, making friends, sharing information, and supporting the establishment regularly...

Now imagine if you were the owner of said coffee shop.

A community of coffee lovers looks forward to visiting you every day. They begin to tell their friends who may also stop by. People are reading and sharing the announcements on the billboard about new products. You throw a party, people RSVP. See what I’m getting at?

Online communities not only bring value to the people who join, but to you as well:

You or your organization is building trust with its members which is very important for brand loyalty and growing social proof.
For nonprofit organizations, strong online communities have been found to boost fundraiser donations
You become a reliable source for information and resources, leading to more referrals or clients.

Where is your digital coffee shop and how can I join??

To start to build an online community you can use what’s already available to you. I have become quite fond of Threads, but groups on Facebook have also been found to be great to grow an online community. Or you could also privatize your community and host a space on your website or have online events for community members like my Virtual Coffee Chats. However you decide to grow your online community, remember:

Be an active participant. Maybe you show up once a week. Or perhaps every day. Whatever you choose be consistent so the community members will know it’s a reliable space.
Share about your community so new people will have an opportunity to join. Mention it on your social media, share it in your email newsletters. Tell people face to face. Yes, some people will find your community organically, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help with the marketing.
Speaking of your newsletter, repurpose the content across your online communities. Not everyone is subscribed to receive the emails (or it may get lost in the mix of spam) so find ways to cross post community news for all to see.
Collaborate with other communities. A coffee shop bakery crossover is never a bad idea!
Engage with your community like a normal person. Yes, this may be about business but that doesn’t mean you can’t connect with people in a human way. Don’t be afraid to share non business related content with your online community. You never know what other things you have in common.